Cell cycle and apoptosis · USMLE Step 1

Which statement best describes the relationship between cell cycle regulation and apoptosis in tissue homeostasis?

  1. Cell proliferation and apoptosis operate independently, sharing no regulators
  2. Checkpoint and apoptosis pathways are coupled, so severe damage triggers death over division
  3. Apoptosis occurs exclusively in cells that have permanently stopped dividing
  4. Cells always complete the cycle regardless of any DNA damage present
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Correct answer: Checkpoint and apoptosis pathways are coupled, so severe damage triggers death over division

Cell cycle regulation and apoptosis are linked: if damage is detected at checkpoints and cannot be repaired, apoptotic pathways are activated to eliminate the cell, balancing proliferation and death to maintain tissue homeostasis.

Difficulty: Medium Question 16 of 19

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